GrEIGHTful!

It is time that I get back into my grateful lists. Man I have been so horrible lately at keeping up with emails, facebook, blogging, it is so sad. Like I said, I am stuck in front of a computer all day at work and the last thing I feel like doing is getting back on when I am home. Plus there is not enough hours in the day--ever!

So I am grateful for:

1.) The fact that my husband can cut hair. He has been cutting his own hair for years, since before I even met him. Don't ask me how he does it, but it does look good and he even tries different styles. Well, on Monday we sat Zech down and Daddy gave him a hair cut. He did a great job considering how much Zech was squirming and moving about. His hair grows so incredibly fast and if we were to take him every month to get it cut at the salon we would be broke, so hence the reason for trying a hair cut at home.

2.) My little boy. Even though the last few weeks have been SO difficult with tantrums and fits galore, this truly is a fun age and we are always so amazed at the things that come out of his mouth and how much he is just soaking up and learning.

3.) Zech's bedtime routine. Every night (usually) we give him a bath, get him ready for bed and then sit on our bed and read a story and the Bible to him. Every night he asks to read the Bible and there was a tantrum the other night because we were late and I thought we didn't have time. When he threw a tantrum to read the Bible, well I had to give in and read a short story. Just lately he has also been asking for cuddles, so he lies in between us and cuddles (and I will cherish these moments as I know that he will grow up way too quickly and the cuddle times will disappear).

(Note Zech's new haircut)
4.) My job. Even though I am stressed, frustrated and am so looking forward to going on Maternity Leave again, I am extremely grateful that I have a good, secure job. There have been so many layoffs here and more to come, it is really quite scary!

5.) My hubby and all that he does for us! He works so hard and always puts his family first!

6.) Feeling all the little movements from this little one growing stronger and stronger in my belly with each passing day. My absolute favourite part about being pregnant!

7.) My sister who has been taking care of Zech a day a week since before Christmas. It gives John a much needed study day and break from our monkey. Plus Zech absolutely adores going to Aunty Mel's, Uncle Cor's and Jonas'. It is a lot of fun watching Zech and Jonas interact with one another. They still have their laughing fits, which is too stinking cute!

(John trying to study and Zech just kept bringing him all of his toys and saying "here daddy here")

8.) The Bible!

Road Trip

I returned to work on Jan. 5, 09 after a nice two week break that went by way too fast. We have been given a new project to buy housing for another government department. We knew about the project before Christmas, but did not get the full go ahead until the New Year. So on Tuesday, Jan. 6, I discovered that I had to go on a road trip to look at some houses the next day. If I didn't do it then it would be too late.

Travelling for work with a young family is a little more difficult than when I was single or a newly wed! So the short planning time I had was a bit of a stress. On Wed. I was supposed to head out for about 4 days and we had a big storm here, so John and Zech came with. I was not going to drive all by myself for the next 4 days to remote country villages in blizzard conditions while I am 5 months pregnant, so I took the family.

The towns we had to cover were Consort (1 hour South of Wainwright), Oyen (40 min. South of Consort) and then all the way down to Milk River which is an hour South of Lethbridge close to the US border.

The road conditions once we left Edmonton were great, so I was feeling a little guilty for dragging John and Zech with me and for upgrading my vehicle to an AWD. However on the second day as we were making our way down South, we hit Medicine Hat and it was a full on blizzard. White outs, drifting, it was nuts. When we finally arrived in Milk River, we checked in and shortly after the roads were closed and the border was shut down. Coming back was no treat either, but we made it and I was so happy that John and Zech were with me. It was tough for Zech though as we were driving so much and then while I was in the towns working and checking out the properties, John and him were stuck wondering around.

It was nice for John to see parts of Alberta that he has never seen before too. Actually I had never been to these towns either. Anyways, here are a few photos of our trip.

The Badlands

Scary winter driving!
Close to Waterton

Musically Inclined?

One of the many things I adore about my little boy is his absolute love and passion for music. We both really want our kids to appreciate music and to learn to play an instrument. The musicality that runs in Zech's family is extensive, so we hope that he may be somewhat musically inclined??

I think most people know that musical talent that runs in my family. First on my Dad's side. Grandpa H taught himself to play the violin and accordian. My Dad had an amazing voice and sang in the glee club at school, plus he loved listening to music. My Aunt Zenia took up Opera Singing, and Aunty Jane is very talented on the piano. Uncle Randy has a great voice, plays piano and there are numerous other insturments that he took up as well.

My Mom's side is also talented. I note my Aunty Elaine's love and appreciation for all kinds of music. My Mom, sang at church growing up when she was little and my Aunty Laurel took up piano (I remember always begging her to play the Music Box when she came over).

And of course my brother, sister and I all took piano lessons and played in the band at school. My sister and I did go quite far with our piano and I am actually one level away from having my certification to teach piano (both in piano and theory). The sad part is I haven't really touched the piano since I left home.

Now what most people don't know is the musical talent in JOhn's family. John's Grandpa Gooch was a remarkable trumpet player, he also played the violin, and the organ. He was with the Salvation Army in the war and was in charge of the entertainment and church services during the war at the various camps. John's Dad also played the trumpet and is really quite good too.

John's Grandma (mom's mom) was a piano prodigy. She could play anything by ear and was amazing. Apparently she could have been a concert pianist and received numerous scholarships, but she gave it all up to marry and have kids. Even in her 80s, my in-laws put in the Adrea Boccelli CD and she went straight to the piano and played it--perfectly.

Now John also has learned to play a few instruments. He can play the trumpet, drums and is learning guitar. His sister also played the organ.

So with this extensive list of musical talent in both our families, maybe our kids will have the desire and ability to play too. I think it has already started. Zech loves to jam with Daddy on the guitar. John also just recently brought out his trumpet and played a bit and now Zech will bring the case to him and ask him to play. Plus he had to try it himself.

He also LOVES to dance. If we put on some music that he likes, he will come and ask me to dance (Mommy dance?). Of course I can't refuse and we dance! It is so cute!

Finally!!

I can't believe that this month is half over and I have only posted once! Seriously, this is pretty sad!

It has been a very busy, busy couple of weeks. Work has been nuts and I even had to go on a road trip. Plus I am exhausted. The last thing I want to do when I come home is get on the computer--since I am on it all day at work. I can read some blogs at work, but can not comment on then, nor can I write on mine.

Plus, Zech has been such a handful lately and I think John and I are both feeling just a tad frustrated, exhausted, etc...!

Nonetheless, it's time to play a little catch up.

A few photos from Christmas I thought I would share:

1. Zech & Jonas

Before Christmas Mel and I thought we would try and get a few photos of the boys in their matching Christmas outfits. Well, we have two busy boys and it was a little more difficult than I think we both anticipated.

2. Christmas in Kelowna.

We spent Christmas Eve at John's parents place. We all went to the candlelight service and then came home for a night of gluttony! We had so many finger foods, goodies and the best was the 2 boxes of crab legs---I definitely splurged!

Christmas Day was at my Sister and Brother-in-laws. We went over for breakfast (yummy) and then opened presents, and in the evening they made a nice Turkey dinner. One of the things I love about the Gooch family is some of their little traditions. Every birthday celebration we all have to wear hats (it's quite funny) and then every Christmas they bring out the Christmas Crackers. You pull them apart and you get a crown (yes we all have to wear our crown while we are eating), a funny little joke and a trinket. I didn't take any pictures of us in our crowns, but I think that John got some video.

A Perfect Way to start the New Year!!

We had a nice low key New Years with our friends Chris and Jen. We rocked the night away on their new Wii Rock Band game. Yes I even got on the microphone and cranked out some vocals! It was pretty funny! They are expecting their first 4 weeks after us!

January 1st we had a really relaxing day. Just vegged and then sorted and started working on getting the baby room assembled/organized. We made good progress and Zech was right in there helping out (sort of).

On January 2nd we had the best New Years gift ever! We went in bright and early for our ultra sound. We had to go to St. Albert because there was nothing availble in the city sooner, so we made the drive. So glad we did, they were awesome there!

I was in for just over an hour! This baby is a mover! It was so active the technician was having a really hard time getting all of the measurements done. Then once they are done, they have to go to the radiologist to ensure that everything is ok and that there are no more measurements that are needed. Of course they needed a few more, but she called JOhn and Zech in by this time. I think Zech understood that what he saw up on the screen was his new baby brother or sister.

It was such an enormous relief going for this ultra sound. I mean I obviously know that I am pregnant, but it was so nice to have that re-assurance and know that everything is fine, that this baby is healthy and so extremely active. Plus it really puts things into perspective and the reality has set in. We saw our precious little baby alive and well, kicking, moving and flipping around. We even got a bit of a wave--funny little monkey!! After all the complications the first time round with Zech, this ultra sound was such a blessing for us all. And yes everything is absolutley perfect (not even umbilical cord issues this time)!

Now the funny thing about this ultra sound was that John wanted to find out the sex and I didn't so I agreed that he could, but I didn't want to know. Some couples have had the technicians write it on a piece of paper for the couple and slip it in an envelope so if they wanted they could look. We have heard a few different ideas, but in the end we didn't know if they would tell him or not (lots of places don't), so we just decided that we would play it by ear and see what happens. And that is all that I will say--it will be a secret as to what happened until Baby G #2 is born! :o)

Safe and Sound

We just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (even if it is late) and all the best in the New Year!! 

We just made it back from Kelowna today and are exhausted, a little sick from the flu and desperately needing to get back on schedule!  I have lots to share and lots of pictures to post, but will have to play catch up later.  

Praise the Lord for good roads, safe travels and that we made it both to Kelowna and back again safe and sound!

God Bless,

The Gooches

5 Years Ago.....

I made the most important decision of my life----and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart to be my personal Saviour.

I don't usually get too personal about my faith on this blog, but this time I will. I have been reflecting a lot lately on the 5 year anniversary and was trying to think of a way to... I guess document it. I really want my kids to know about my journey with the Lord. I want to be able to encourage them, love them, praise them and just be there for them and show them that no matter what challenges they face in life, God will ALWAYS be with them. I want God to be the centre of their lives and will strive to live as an example to them. Since becoming a mother I think that the biggest burden I have on my heart is trying to be the best Christian mother I can possibly be, and lately I feel like I am failing in so many areas, but I know that God has mercy on me, and through God's grace and answers to prayer I will get better!

So looking back on a few things that I have learned and that have helped me grow, I decided to do a list! I am still a work in progress and even though I have heard some of these scriptures over and over again, it takes a bit to just sink in! :o)

1.) I now know what it means to have a personal relationship with the Lord. I never knew what this meant and how important it is and has been in my life.

2.) DO NOT WORRY! I have had the following scriptures pasted on my fridge, mirror, where ever for a few years now. I need these constant reminders ALL OF THE TIME as I am a chronic worrier.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:25-27

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, Oh you of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

3.) Persecution. I knew that being a Christian was not always going to be this wonderful, blissful walk with the Lord (that will come later in heaven), but I never anticipated the persecution, insults, judgement that I have received. So these versus are constant reminders that I am not alone.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (this is not an easy task)

Romans 12:14

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13

4.) Perseverance! There have been so many times when I have just wanted to give up, just pack it in and forget about trying to live my life according to God's will. The amount of critisism we have received for the decisions that we have made is sometimes just too much. We make all of our decisions based on prayer and seeking God's will. Unfortunately there are not many that will ever understand that and have said some pretty harsh stuff about us. One example (there are many more)is our trip to Australia. Tonnes of research (you have no idea how many years) went into this move, and most importantly a lot of prayer and really seeking God's wisdom and provision. So many doors were opened and opened wide. Even though we came back a lot sooner than we anticipated we still believe 100% that it was God's will for us to go there. Too many prayers were answered in some pretty incredible ways while we were there, and we also learned some pretty amazing, difficult, but important lessons. However, we are continuously critized (and of course John is always blamed) for the money that we spent. We don't really care about the money, after all it is just money. It is not money that we serve or that provides for us, it is GOD and only GOD. That was a huge lesson for us. Was it a struggle when we were in Australia, you have no idea! Most of the critics are unfortunately those who have never moved out of the country and tried to live and settle in a new country, haven't done much travelling, but think they know everything.

I get pretty frustrated and upset over this, but lately as I have been talking to God, the one thing that he has revealed to me and laid on my heart over and over and over is the image of Christ on the cross during his last hours facing these people who only a week ago were worshipping and praising his name, witnessed miracle upon miracle and now were ordering his death, hurling insults, and in the midst of all of this the Lord Jesus said, "Forgive them Father for they do not know". Powerful words in such an agonizing time, but so true. So something that I really need to work on and remind myself of. These people need Jesus in their lives and they just simply do not know Him, but I pray that one day they will know Him.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

5.) Sharing my personal relationship with the Lord with my husband. I am so blessed that i can share my tears, my fears, the joys, the hardships with my husband. It is amazing that we can share this intimate spiritual connection because of our relationship and committment to the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not imagine if we did not have the same beliefs and did not want to live our lives for the Lord and follow his will accordingly. Praise the Lord for our unity!

There are a lot more things that I could write, but I won't. I am so blessed and even though there have been so many hardships these last few years, there have also been so many blessings. The Lord has answered so many of our prayers and has provided us with so many blessings or miracles, it is sometimes overwhelming. God Bless you and I hope that you take the time to rejoice in this magical season as we celebrate the best gift of all, the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ!